The secret of Vladimir Putin: how sex kompromat helped him come to power.

According to The Sun: Vladimir Putin, as he climbed to the heights of power in Russia, used cunning methods such as blackmail and compromising materials to eliminate his political opponents.

Experts revealed that the former KGB officer implemented a practice known as kompromat, which means 'compromising materials'. These materials usually contain information that can significantly damage the reputation and career of the victim.

Compromising information can include data about debts, sexual relationships, and even addictions, said former British intelligence officer Philip Ingram. Another expert, Mark Harrison, emphasized the ways in which the Kremlin uses kompromat to control its supporters.

“If I know you have a dirty secret, then you will always be loyal to me... because I can destroy you,”

— he explained.

This practice has existed since the 1930s, during Joseph Stalin's time. However, the first and most well-known case occurred in 1999, when Putin used compromising video to eliminate his competitor, prosecutor Yuri Skuratov.

This video, which made headlines, showed Skuratov in a compromising situation while investigating corruption cases.

The video was titled 'Three in a Bed' and was broadcast on state television.

“Putin looked very bold,”

— recalled former oligarch Sergey Pugachev. “I thought, he looks good... Maybe we'll make him president.”

This action significantly strengthened Putin's position, who quickly became prime minister and later president. Geopolitical expert Anthony Glis noted that kompromat has become a common practice in Russia and continues to be used today.

According to Glis, kompromat is used not only for eliminating political opponents but also for demonstrating their corruption, undermining trust in democratic institutions in Russia. Putin employs this tactic to control the political situation and eliminate potential rivals, consolidating his power in the country.

The methods of compromising materials are actively used not only in Russia but also beyond its borders. For instance, during the elections in Turkey, Putin was accused of spreading compromising information.